Annual report by USCIRF: Administration of North and East Syria “continued to highlight religious freedom as a governing principle”
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has released its annual report for 2024, highlighting the state of religious freedom in various regions, including Syria. According to the report, the Democratic Autonomous Administration of the Region of North and East Syria (DAARNES), supported by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), has continued to prioritize religious freedom as a fundamental governing principle.
In particular, the report notes the efforts of the DAARNES in respecting religious freedom, citing examples such as the missions conducted by the People’s Protection Units (Yekîneyên Parastina Gel, YPG) and Women’s Protection Units (Yekîneyên Parastina Jin, YPJ) in 2014 to locate and rescue Yezidi women and girls who were kidnapped by the Islamic State (ISIS). Despite this progress, the report emphasizes that challenges remain, particularly concerning the approximately 2,700 Yezidis who are still missing. The USCIRF recommends collaboration between the US government and the DAARNES to address this issue.
Furthermore, the report highlights the resurgence of Christianity in North and East Syria following the 2012 Rojava Revolution. In liberated areas like Kobane and Raqqa, previously oppressed under ISIS rule, the Christian community is experiencing growth and the return of church property.
However, the report also underscores the broader religious freedom challenges in Syria, noting that conditions remain poor, especially in areas controlled by non-state entities. The Turkish occupation and bombing campaign are identified as significant threats to religious freedom, with reports of mosque destruction and other violations perpetrated by Turkish-backed Syrian National Army factions.
“Turkey posed one of the most significant threats to religious freedom in Syria via its occupation of territory and its military strikes in and near [DAARNES] jurisdictions,” wrote President of the International Religious Freedom Secretariat and former USCIRF Chair Nadine Maenza via X, quoting the report. “Turkish-controlled areas among the least secure and most damaging to religious freedom in Syria.”
New @USCIRF 2024 Annual Report on #Syria: Autonomous Administration of North & East #Syria (AANES) “continued to highlight #ReligiousFreedom as a governing principle.”
By contrast, “#Turkey posed one of the most significant threats to religious freedom in Syria via its… pic.twitter.com/fgMX2hDPE8
— Nadine Maenza (@nadinemaenza) May 3, 2024
Turkey itself is recommended for placement on the US’ ‘special watch list’ for abusers of religious freedom, with concerns raised about the treatment of religious minorities, including Alevis, and ongoing arrests and prosecutions for blasphemy.
In terms of recommendations, the USCRF suggests the inclusion of DAARNES in any political solution to the Syrian conflict to protect religious minorities and urges diplomatic action to ensure humanitarian aid reaches areas where religious minorities will benefit. Additionally, the full implementation of ‘General License No. 22’, authorizing US economic activity in DAARNES-controlled areas, is encouraged.
In contrast, the USCRF recommends that the US Congress incorporate consideration of Turkey’s treatment of religious minorities into its evaluation of the US-Turkey bilateral relationship.